Business Profile

Market Research

Sago

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Sago's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

1,204 total complaints in the last 3 years.
413 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

Initial Complaint
Date:11/29/2022
Type:Order Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Im having continued issues with follow-up from this company. On three different occasions, including this most recent one, I have qualified to participate in a paid research study, and I would receive a message at the end saying I needed to make sure I was confirmed for the study and I would receive a follow up call within 72 hours. Each of those times I never received a call. In the message I initially received, it said:"If you do not hear from us please call us at to complete this process. We MUST SPEAK WITH YOU PERSONALLY to complete this verification and you cannot participate in the session unless we speak with you personally. If we do not hear from you, you may be cancelled out of this research study and may not be eligible to participate in future research studies with us."If you notice, there is nothing after the word "at", so it tells you to contact them if I dont hear from them, but just says "at", it doesnt tell you who or how to call. Thats been the ongoing issue with this company. It is impossible to contact them. The one number I found on the internet, they have never ever answered, or followed up on any of my calls. They havent responded to any emails, ever. So three different paid studies went by and I was never contacted with additional information. It is false advertising to continually, CONTINUALLY advertise studies to participate in, qualify you to participate in them, and then just leave you hanging there every time, all the while, telling you to contact them with no contact info or follow up of any kind. This company is a sad, sorry, disorganized company and it is falsely advertising.
Business Response
Date: 11/30/2022
All survey invites you receive will ask some screening questions prior to taking the actual survey. Based on your answers to those questions determines if you qualify or not! In the event you are selected to participate a member of the project management team will contact you directly. Not everyone who qualifies is selected/approved to participate. Our records show you have been contacted/confirmed and we emailed your confirmation email yesterday.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/07/2022
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

***********************
Initial Complaint
Date:11/18/2022
Type:Order Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I did an online focus group with them in August of 2022 the study number is UIG22802872 I never received my payment and they stopped answer my emails mid October. I've made numerous calls with no avail, I want the $150 that I signed up for for completing the study. They claim to have sent it to me twice now.
Business Response
Date: 11/21/2022
Please refer to your helpdesk ticket ****** as we have replied and waiting for address confirmation. Since your card has been reissued previously and did not arrive, I suggest providing an alternate address. Once we have confirmation on your ****************** address, we will have your incentive reissued.
We were able to verify that a payment for the study UIG22802872 was processed on 9/7/22 in the amount of $150 with the card ending ****. The card has a full balance available.

Please verify your mailing address and we will reissue your payment.

We appreciate your time and assistance.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/21/2022
They did finally get back to me via email to ask my address again, I gave it to them and they send will send it again so I am hoping it actually shows ** in the mail this time. I called my post office to make sure there were no issues, I put my name on the mail box, *** made friends with the mail man just to ensure it gets to me this time. So for the time being I am satisfied that they finally returned my email and are trying to fix the problem, if I do not receive it this time I will have to report again.
Initial Complaint
Date:11/14/2022
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
RECENTLY COMPLETED IN PERSON STUDY FOR CASH APP. ******** GROUP STATED NOTHING ABOUT OUR INCENATIVE. WAS TOLD IT'S ******
Business Response
Date: 11/17/2022
Please refer to help desk ticket which you submitted on November 10th, the issue has been resolved! As for your participation in study number UOM22800359 which you completed on November 8th, we processed and shipped $125.00 **** gift card this morning! Please note: the normal time frame is 4-6 weeks from the date of completion. This was a smaller study which is why the incentive was processed within 10 days of your participation.
Initial Complaint
Date:11/10/2022
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I completed a focus study and was given a supposedly loaded debit card with no clear instructions on how to use it with them saying that $300 will be deposited into it shortly. It has now been two months. The card still does not seem to work with no sign of the money deposited on it. Calls and emails have gone unanswered and unresponded. A customer service rep had reached out to me weeks ago, claiming that I have a ticket, but I have not heard from them again since then.
Business Response
Date: 11/11/2022
Our records show this issue has been resolved as the incentive was processed and received.
Initial Complaint
Date:11/09/2022
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I participated in market research for Schlesinger Group under condition that the company pay an incentive upon completion of work. It has been some eight (8) weeks since the project's completion and despite multiple contacts with the company and the company's multiple assurances no payment has been received. I note that payment of incentives as agreed is a part of the standards of the *************************** of which Schlesinger is a memeber.
Business Response
Date: 11/11/2022
This has been resolved as we have communicated previously by email per your request as you did not want to discuss by phone. As we advised your $80.00 incentive for study HUT22800075 has already been processed and will arrive by mail within the next few days.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/11/2022

Complaint: 18379290

I am rejecting this response because:

This company has a pattern and practice of 'resolving" the complaint by pushing it forward by another "**** business days." After 8 weeks of nonpayment and accepting several **** business day delays" I will not consider this matter resolved until I have the incentive in hand.

I most emphatically did NOT want to "discuss this issue" by telephone since there is nothing to discuss! They have not paid, period.

There is no universe in which this company can be said to be operating under fair business practices.

Regards,

*****************
Business Response
Date: 11/14/2022
As we have advised, your incentive has been processed and will arrive within the next few days.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/14/2022

Complaint: 18379290

I am rejecting this response because:

This company has now had over 8 weeks to pay the market research incentive. Similar companies pay incentives digitally and don't even require 8 hours to do so.

If Schlesinger Group was serious about resolving this complaint they could send payment digitally or send an analog payment card via overnight mail.

A review of this company's profile on BBB will show a pattern and practice of nonpayment of incentives.

Regards,

*****************
Business Response
Date: 11/15/2022
A virtual incentive was an option which we called to discuss. However that request to communicate via phone and or email was declined. As we have advised your $80.00 incentive was processed on November 9th and should arrive within the next few days if it hasn't already. Please refer to the below email we received after our voicemail was left.
"I have absolutely NO INTEREST in "discussing this issue" with you.

At this point, my interests are:

a) Being paid as agreed, OR
b) Doing my absolute utmost to make sure your clients
know what you do and don't do.

Up to you -"
Initial Complaint
Date:11/08/2022
Type:Order Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I participated in two studies with IHut Schlesinger Group and received no payment.I have sent emails every so often over the past 6 months with 2-3 responses total. I am told that payment has already been sent. If it was sent then Id clearly have received it in the last 6 or so months.One of the studies should have paid $20 and the other should have paid $25.1. Study reference #: USQ2212407 2. Body Wash HUT22800036
Business Response
Date: 11/09/2022
Our records show you are not registered with Schlesinger Group nor did we recruit you for this study. However, after investigation I have confirmed you have been recruited by 2020. They confirmed your incentive has been processed as of this morning.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/09/2022
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me as long as they follow through.

Regards,

*****************************
Initial Complaint
Date:11/03/2022
Type:Customer Service Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I will try to be brief as this company has numerous complaints already, I'm sure it's not your first rodeo with them.Bottom line, I just want to be paid for the focus group ***************************** I completed on 9/13/2022. It is now 7 1/2 weeks later, and it has never taken this long before. Plus, the customer service has never been more atrocious. I swear I have inquired about this with Schlesinger half a dozen times, and I am lucky to even get a response. I just did the simplest task with another company and was paid within 2 DAYS. Schlesinger, it shouldn't take over 2 months to either issue a digital gift card or send out a check. It is also completely unprofessional to ignore your clients when the error is on your end.When busy people apply for your studies and pass online and phone screenings, and attend/participate in your studies fully and on time, they expect to be compensated as you promised. That is called good business. What you are doing is not fair at all to your clients. What if you had to pay people ahead of time and then the majority of people didn't even show up for your studies? That would be very frustrating and unfair to you, correct? That is exactly what you are doing to people when you hose them like this.This was as polite as I can be after all the garbage you are pulling. Get it together.
Business Response
Date: 11/04/2022
Our records show this issue has been resolved as your address has been updated. Your incentive has been processed and will arrive my mail within the next **** business days.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/04/2022
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

***************************
Initial Complaint
Date:11/02/2022
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I completely finished 9/26 and yet to receive my payment
Business Response
Date: 11/03/2022
Incentives are processed at the close of the study. As long as all parts of the study were completed, you should receive your incentive in the mail in approximately 4-6 weeks from the date of your participation.

Please let me know if you do not receive it by this time. Please contact our helpdesk at ************************************************* as we do not have any request from you at this time.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/27/2022
Type:Delivery Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I participated in the Shampoo Study HUT ********. On September 5th I received the following email, "We received the green light to process the incentives for this study on Wednesday, 8/17 and our incentives team is currently finalizing the remaining incentives.You will receive your $100 **** gift card in the mail in the next 2 4 weeks to the mailing address listed on your profile." I have not received the gift card or compensation of any kind. I have emailed the company three times. I have not received any responses to my 3 attempts. I would like the $100 compensation I was told I would receive after completing this study.
Business Response
Date: 10/28/2022
Our records show for your participation in HUT22800034 we processed and shipped $100.00 **** gift card ending in **** On September 19th. Your incentive was sent the following address listed in your profile.
2525 *********
********, ** 53188
Your incentive has been returned by your mail carrier as undeliverable.This could be due to the incorrect address, mail box full, or your name doesn't match the normal mail that is delivered to this address. Please confirm if the above address is correct and I will have a new card issued.
Please contact our helpdesk at ************************************************* if you have any questions.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/27/2022
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I participated in a focus group back in august. And the compensation was to be $175. It is now almost November and I still have not received my payment. I have reached out to the contact that I have and I have heard back only twice about resending payment but then when I ask her to confirm if payment was resent, I do not hear back.
Customer Answer
Date: 10/31/2022

Better Business Bureau:

This has been resolved and you can close this case.

Regards,

*******************

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Sago is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.